Comments on: Jen Payne: Five Signs That it’s Time to Call a Therapist

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:53:31 +0000

I think this is a lovely post,..’and who will hope on your behalf.’
I think that’s why most seek therapy. If we can find but one sacred individual who will thoroughly listen ‘to the us behind the voice’ and then connect with us on that level, sometimes that is enough. Therapy can be such a gift.. ;)
I’m also on the path of wholeness, and it is challenging, while so very rewarding!
Transitions are never easy, and dealing with grief, or repressed feelings due to circumstances where you had no other choice but to be strong, makes it hard for the cleansing.. it takes time! be soft on yourself during this time …
blessings to you! ~Jen

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:04:52 +0000

Ardent Thread, wow. That’s so much. Too much really… I had the thought of, why wait? Of course I don’t know your circumstances, particularly in the financial realm with your work reality… I hope you find someone who will care for you well when the time is right for you.

By: The Ardent Thread

The Ardent Thread — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:01:27 +0000

Let’s see… since June, 2008: end of long term relationship, moved out of state, lost mother to cancer, out of work since Oct. 2008, have to put family pet to sleep this week, losing father to cancer (not expected to make it through September).

yeah, I could use a little therapy. Once things settle down I’ll look into it.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:47:37 +0000

I agree about “Team Moi.” It’s much more suave than “my team of professionals” which is how I’ve referred to it. :)

Jenna, I totally get the stigma thing. I grew up in the Midwest and it’s strong there. Seattle has been so different that way! And refreshing. Maybe you will lead the way to a cultural shift in your neck of the woods. :)

Rachelle, yes, transitions are huge. I first started thinking about therapy when I got pregnant for the first time. The “loss” kind of transitions might come to mind more readily, but the “happy” transitions sometimes need even more attention because of how confusing it can be to feel non-happy feelings during a happy time…

Becky, I thought of the doctor/dentist thing too. Reminded me of my husband who said you should go to therapy just to grow as a person, even if you’re not in crisis. Approach it kind of like preventative care. And yes, yes, yes about the validation piece!

By: Becky Knight

Becky Knight — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:01:03 +0000

Great advice Jen. I hope that eventually, going to see a counselor or therapist will be just as stigma-free as going to see the dentist or the doctor. Our mental and spiritual wellness is key to a happy and fulfilling life.

I’ve seen several counselors and coaches in my life so far, and I can say that each experience was well worth it.

One thing I might add is that sometimes, it is good to go just for validation. In one particular situation (dealing with a tricky family situation), I felt good about the decisions I was making, but it was really helpful and encouraging to get the support from someone who could say that yes — I was on the right track. That particular counselor helped me stick to my healthy boundaries.

By: Kristi Piper

Kristi Piper — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:28:33 +0000

I love the concept of Team Moi!!! My daughters and I have talked about the concept but not with such a wonderful name.

I am smiling as I think about sharing this with them :)

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:21:16 +0000

You know what this made me think about Jen? How important it is to get some professional support when you lose your tribe. If you move away from your family…or leave (or even think about leaving) the church….or when you finish graduate school… Those are all big transitions and therapy really helps.

Just for the sake of self-revelation (‘cuz sometimes that is helpful); I went to a therapist when my family hit a rough patch while I was in college, and again after my kids were born. (post partum, lots of old issues coming up, etc.) And I’ve recently worked with a life coach to help with some professional goals. We’ve also made strategic use of child psychologist when the kids went thru rough developmental stages. I’m a big fan!

By: Jenna/The Word Cellar

Jenna/The Word Cellar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:12:49 +0000

Where I live, going to therapy is considered a bit weird. No, that’s not quite right. Where I live, it’s like therapy isn’t considered at all – no one ever talks about it. But when I found myself calling off work and crying all day for no apparent reason a few years ago, I knew I needed help. Seeing a therapist was a relief: Finally I could let down my guard and stop pretending that everything was fine. Even most of my closest friends had no idea I’d been suffering from depression for many years. I was so good at faking it. Seeing a therapist helped me to stop faking it long enough to cope more effectively. What a blessing.